There has been talk over the last day or so that Manchester United aren’t quite as close to sealing a deal for Arturo Vidal as many had assumed.

Some reports today suggest Manchester United aren’t happy to pay the £35 million asking price.

But in a statement which at least categorically proves that Manchester United are interested in the player, Vidal himself has spoken about the move. The Guardian quotes him as saying:

“I’m not thinking of where I’m going to go, I want to take advantage of my holidays with the people I love. Right now I’m thinking of other things. Afterwards, when I arrive in Italy, I’ll see.

“I’m already at a great team, Juventus, so I will be just as calm if the Manchester United option falls through.”

So the ball is very much in Manchester United’s court. The player seems open to a move and wouldn’t have discussed the possibility of leaving Juventus for Manchester United had their not been some solid foundations laid for a transfer.

So this once again proves that there is no smoke without fire. The speculation has been intense about a move and the player has now revealed that a deal could happen.

We think that it’s an absolute no-brainer for Manchester United to sign Vidal. He may be reaching the last five years of his top class professional career but he could totally transform the Manchester United midfield in that time and help take the club back to the top of the league next season.

If you look at the alternatives in the centre of midfield – Darren Fletcher, Anderson and Tom Cleverley – the list doesn’t fill you with confidence that the club can successfully move forward without significant investment in the engine room.

So Manchester United fans will be hopeful that the Vidal deal can get done.

Meantime let’s see some of his magic. Manchester United fans is this a crucial addition?

I don’t understand why this transfer saga keeps dragging on?! There aren’t many other options available to United in terms of world class central midfielders. Vidal, Strootman, Verratti. Pick one and lets be done with it.